Dispensers

ABSTRACT

A dispenser for a product in stick form comprises a base part (4) and a removable cap (6). The base part (6) comprises an outer tube (14) optionally made from a paper-based or card-based material such as paperboard or cardboard and an inner tube (16) rotatably and slidably received within the outer tube (14) and optionally made from a paper-based or card-based material such as paperboard or cardboard. The inner tube (16) projects upwardly from the outer tube (14) and has an axially extending helical slot (24) formed therein. The base part further comprises a product stick carrier (48) optionally formed of a paper-based or card-based material and supporting a product stick (50). The product stick carrier (48) is rotationally fixed relative to the outer tube (14), is arranged radially inwardly of the inner tube (16) and projects upwardly from the outer tube (14). The base part (6) further comprises a helical element (38) optionally made from a paper-based or card-based material such as paperboard or cardboard. The helical element (38) is rotationally fixed with respect to the outer tube (14) and is received in the helical slot (26) such that rotation of the inner tube (16) relative to the outer tube (14) will move the helical slot (24) along the helical element (38) thereby lowering or raising the inner tube (16) within the outer tube (14) to expose or cover the product stick (50).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to dispensers for products in stick form,for example cosmetics, deodorants, lipsticks, lip balms, adhesives andother products for topical application to a surface, for example to aperson's skin or lips.

BACKGROUND

Stick products such as lipsticks are supplied in a number of dispensers.The most common dispenser comprises a tubular plastics shell having aremovable cap. The container receives a cartridge of a material forapplication which can, after removal of the cap, be twisted in order toextend the stick of material from the shell and to retract the stickmaterial into the shell after application, whereupon the cap may beclosed once more.

Whilst this is a very effective form of dispenser, it is desirable toreduce the amount of plastic material used in the dispenser.

SUMMARY

From a first aspect the present invention provides a dispenser for aproduct in stick form. The dispenser comprises a base part and aremovable cap. The base part comprises an outer tube, an inner tube anda product carrier. The outer tube may be made from a paper-based orcard-based material such as paperboard or cardboard. The inner tube isrotatably and slidably received within the outer tube, projects upwardlyfrom the outer tube, and has an axially extending helical slot formedtherein. The product stick carrier supports a product stick and isrotationally fixed relative to the outer tube. The product stick isarranged radially inwardly of the inner tube (16) and projects upwardlyfrom the outer tube. A helical element is rotationally fixed withrespect to the outer tube and is received in the helical slot such thatrotation of the inner tube relative to the outer tube will move thehelical slot along the helical element thereby lowering or raising theinner tube within the outer tube to expose or cover the product stick.

Thus in a dispenser in accordance with the invention, the product stickremains static and is selectively exposed by movement of an inner tubeof the dispenser.

One or more of, for example all of the outer tube, inner tube, productstick carrier and helical element may be made from a paper-based orcard-based material such as paperboard or cardboard. This facilitatesrecycling of the dispenser after use. The inner tube may be made from apaper-based or card-based material such as paperboard or cardboard.

The helical element may extend from a tubular collar fixed with respectto the outer tube. This may facilitate the attachment of the helicalelement to the outer tube.

The outer diameter of the inner tube and the outer diameter of thetubular collar may be the same. This may facilitate manufacture,allowing the inner tube and collar to be made from a single tubularelement.

The dispenser may further comprise a stop mechanism which prevents theinner tube from being completely withdrawn from the outer tube.

The stop mechanism may comprise stop formations formed on the helicalslot and the helical element respectively.

In one embodiment, the stop formations may comprise a single tab formedon one side of the helical slot and a cooperating single tab formed onone side of the helical element. Such an arrangement is advantageous inthat it may allow an entire edge of the helical element to engage withan entire edge of the helical slot during use.

The product stick carrier may comprise a carrier disc, which may be madeof a paper-based or card-based material, to which the product stick ismounted.

The carrier disc may be mounted to a carrier tube, which may be madefrom a paper-based or card-based material. The carrier tube is arrangedradially inwardly of the inner tube, whereby the inner tube issandwiched radially between the carrier tube and the outer tube. Thismay allow for precise guidance of the inner tube.

An upper end of the carrier tube may extend above the carrier disc. Thismay advantageously protect the connection between the product stick andthe carrier.

In embodiments including the tubular collar, a lower end of the carriertube may be bonded to the collar.

The dispenser may further comprise a base disc mounted in a lower end ofthe outer tube. The base disc may be made from a paper-based orcard-based material

In embodiments which include the carrier tube, the lower end of thecarrier tube may be located against an upper surface of the base disc.

In embodiments including the tubular collar a lower edge of the collarmay locate against an or the upper surface of the base disc.

The helical slot may extend axially over less than half the length ofthe inner tube.

The helical slot may extend between 30 degrees and 105 degrees aroundthe axis of the inner tube.

The helical slot may extend to the bottom edge of the inner tube. Thismay facilitate assembly of the dispenser.

The inner tube preferably projects from the outer tube in all operativepositions in order to fully protect the product stick.

In embodiments, the removable cap may be received over an upper end ofthe inner tube.

The invention also provides a method of manufacturing the inner tube andhelical element of a dispenser in accordance with the invention. Themethod comprises cutting the helical element out from a tube ofmaterial, the remainder of the tube then forming the inner tube of thedispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of exampleonly with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a dispenser in accordance with the invention in a closedconfiguration;

FIG. 2 shows the dispenser of FIG. 1 with the outer parts thereof onlyshown in section;

FIG. 3 shows the dispenser with its cap removed.

FIG. 4 shows the dispenser with its product stick partially exposed;

FIG. 5 shows the dispenser with its product stick fully exposed;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 shows a more detailed vertical cross section through thedispenser;

FIG. 8 shows a view of an inner tube of a dispenser;

FIG. 9 shows a view of the helical element of a dispenser.

FIG. 10 shows a view of an alternative inner tube of a dispenser; and

FIG. 11 shows a view of an alternative helical element of a dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the FIG. 1 a dispenser 2 for a product in stick formis shown.

The dispenser 2 comprises a base part 4 and a removable cap 6. In thisembodiment, the base part 4 and cap 6 are tubular in shape. They may forexample be circular in cross section, although other cross sectionalshapes may be possible.

The cap 6 is made from a paper-based or card-based material such aspaperboard or cardboard. Its upper end 8 may be closed by a disc 10 ofsuch a material in a conventional manner which locates against a rolledover lip 12 formed at the upper end 8. The disc 10 may be a laminatedstructure, for example comprising a plurality of layers of card materialbonded together, or a unitary, one piece construction. The disc 10 couldof course be located in some other manner. In another embodiment, forexample the upper end 8 of the cap 6 need not be rolled and the disc 10may simply be bonded in position.

The base part 6 comprises an outer tube 14 which is made from apaper-based or card-based material such as paperboard or cardboard. Theouter tube 14 may be a spirally wound tube for example. However, otherconstructions such as a wrapped tube construction may be used.

Advantageously, the outer tube 14 and the cap 6 are made from a lengthof tube of material cut transversely to form the cap 6 and the outertube 14. In this way, the cap 6 may lie flush with the outer tube 14.

The base part 4 further includes an inner tube 16 which is rotatably andslidably received within the outer tube 14. The inner tube 16 is alsomade from a paper-based or card-based material such as paperboard orcardboard. As can be seen from FIG. 3 for example, the inner tube 16projects upwardly from the outer tube 14. In fact, the cap 6 is receivedon the inner tube 16 to close the dispenser 2. As best shown in FIG. 7 ,the cap closing disc 10 may be formed with an annular recess 18 on itslower face 20 to receive the upper edge 22 of the inner tube 16, therebyimproving location of the cap 6 on the base part 4.

The inner tube 16 comprises an axially extending helical slot 24 formedtherein. In this embodiment, and as can best be seen in FIG. 8 , thehelical slot 24 extends to a lower edge 26 of the inner tube 16. A stop,in this embodiment formed by a pair of stop tabs 28 projecting acrossthe open end 30 of the slot 24, is provided for purposes which will bedescribed further below.

The helical slot 24 may typically extend axially over less than half thelength of the inner tube 16. It may also extend between 30 degrees and105 degrees around the axis of the inner tube 16. Typically the helixangle of the helical slot 24 may be about 60 degrees. The particularvalue of helix angle chosen will determine the degree of rotationrequired to extend or retract the inner tube by a predetermined amount.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 7 , the upper end 32 of the helical slot24 is arranged below the upper edge 36 of the outer tube 14. In otherembodiments, the upper end 32 of the helical slot 24 may projectslightly above the upper edge 36 of the outer tube 14.

A helical element 38 made from a paper-based or card-based material suchas paperboard or cardboard is mounted in the outer tube 14 so as to berotationally fixed with respect thereto. As illustrated, it is astrip-like element, having a width greater than its thickness. Thehelical element 38 is received in the helical slot 24 of the inner tube16 such that relative rotation of the inner tube 16 and the outer tube14 will move the helical slot 24 along the helical element 38 therebylowering or raising the inner tube 16, as will be described furtherbelow.

The free end 40 of the helical element 38 is formed with a pair of stoptabs 42. The stop tabs 42 cooperate with the stop tabs 28 provided atthe end 30 of the helical slot 24 to prevent the inner tube 16 fromdisengaging from the helical element 38.

In this embodiment and as can best be seen in FIG. 9 , the helicalelement 38 extends from a tubular collar 44. The helical element 38 andtubular collar 44 may therefore be made as unitary component. Thetubular collar 44 may be bonded to the lower end 46 of the outer tube 14to secure the helical element 38 relative to the outer tube 14. Thehelical element 38 may alternatively or additionally be bonded to theouter tube 14.

Advantageously, the helical element 38, the tubular collar 44 and theinner tube 16 may be made from the same tube of material, for example aspiral wound or wrapped tube. The helical element 38 may be formed bycutting two helical cuts through the tube of material of an appropriateshape to define the helical element 38 and any stops 28, 42. Also, asthe outer diameter Dc of the collar 44 and the outer diameter Dt of theinner tube 16 are the same, the inner tube 16 may be snugly receivedwithin the outer tube 14.

The dispenser further comprises a product stick carrier 48 which isformed of a paper-based or card-based material and which supports aproduct stick 50.

The product stick carrier 48 is rotationally fixed relative to the outertube 14. The product stick 50 is arranged radially inwardly of the innertube 16 and projects upwardly from the outer tube 14, as can be seen forexample in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7 . As the product stick carrier 48 isrotationally fixed to the outer tube 14, both it and the product stick50 remain static during use of the dispenser 2. As will be describedfurther below, raising or lowering of the inner tube 16 relative to theouter tube 14 due to relative rotation thereof by means of the helicalslot 24/helical element 38 displacement mechanism will therefore exposeor cover the product stick 50.

The product stick carrier 48 may comprise a carrier disc or plug 52which may be formed of a paper-based or card-based material. The disc 52may be of a laminated structure, for example comprising a plurality oflayers of card material bonded together, or a unitary, one piececonstruction. The product stick 50 may for example be adhered to theproduct carrier disc 52 by an adhesive, or by a layer of unset product.

The product stick carrier 48 further comprises a carrier tube 54optionally of a paper-based or card-based material in the upper end 56of which the carrier disc 52 is mounted. The carrier tube 54 may be ofany suitable construction, for example spiral wound or wrapped.

The inner tube 16 is rotatably and slidably received over the carriertube 54. The carrier tube 54 is arranged radially inwardly of the innertube 16 such that the inner tube 16 and the helical element 38 issandwiched radially between the carrier tube 54 and the outer tube 14.The outer tube 14 and carrier tube 54 thus maintain the radialengagement of the helical element 38 within the helical slot 24.

As can be seen from FIG. 7 for example, the upper end 56 of the carriertube 54 extends above the carrier disc 52. This protects the attachmentof the product stick 50 to the carrier disk 52. The lower end 58 of thecarrier tube 54 may be bonded to the tubular collar 44 and so fixedrelative to the outer tube 14.

As can further be seen in FIG. 7 for example, the lower end 46 of theouter tube 14 is closed by a base disc or plug 60 which is locatedagainst a rolled lip 62 formed at the lower end 46 of the outer tube 14.The base disc 60 could of course be located in some other manner. Inanother embodiment, for example the lower end 46 of the outer tube 14need not be rolled and the base disc 60 may simply be bonded inposition. The base disc 60 may be formed of a paper-based or card-basedmaterial. The base disc 60 may be of a laminated structure, for examplecomprising a plurality of layers of card material bonded together, or aunitary, one piece construction. A bottom end 64 of the collar 44 and abottom end 66 of the carrier tube 54 may locate against the uppersurface 68 of the base disc 60.

Having described the overall construction of the dispenser 2, its modeof operation will now be described.

Turning to operation of the dispenser 2, prior to first use, thedispenser 2 is in the closed configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

To use the dispenser 2, the cap 6 is first removed, as shown in FIG. 3 .It will be seen from this Figure that the inner tube 16 projects fromthe outer tube 14 and covers the product stick 50.

The inner tube 16 is then rotated relative to the outer tube 14 asillustrated by arrow A in FIG. 4 . The user may grip the exposed sectionof the inner tube 16 and the outer tube 14 and simply twist. Therelative rotation of the inner tube and the outer tube will cause theinner tube 16 to retract into the outer tube as illustrated by the arrowB in FIG. 4 , thereby exposing the product stick 50. This is due to theinteraction between the helical slot 24 on the inner tube 16 and thehelical element 38 which is rotationally fixed relative to the outertube 14.

Relative rotation of the inner tube 16 and outer tube 18 can continueuntil such time as a bottom edge 70 of the inner tube 16 contacts anupper edge 72 of the collar 44, as illustrated in FIG. 4 . At thispoint, the product stick 50 is fully exposed. The inner tube 16 need notof course be fully retracted for application of the product.

The length of the helical slot 24 and the helical element 38 and theirhelix angle will determine how much rotation is required to fullyretract the inner tube 16. In preferred embodiments, full retraction maybe achieved with a relative rotation of 90 degrees or less, allowing theuser to hold say the inner tube 16 fixed in one hand and easily rotatethe outer tube 14 with the other hand.

After application of the product, the inner tube 16 and outer tube 14may be rotated in the opposite direction in order to extend the innertube 16 further from the outer tube 14. The axial movement of the innertube 16 will be limited by the engagement of the stops 28, 42 on theinner tube 16 and helical element 38. In this position, the productstick 50 will once more be fully covered and protected by the inner tube16.

The cap 6 can then be replaced over the inner tube 16 to close thedispenser. It should be noted that as shown in FIG. 5 , a portion of theinner tube 16 still projects from the outer tube 14 even when the innertube 16 is fully retracted. This means that the cap 6 may still bereplaced on the dispenser 2 in that condition.

It will be seen from the above description that a dispenser 2 inaccordance with the invention operates in a completely different wayfrom a traditional dispenser in that rather than extending andretracting a product stick, the product stick is selectively exposed bythe extension and retraction of a tubular shield relative to an outertube.

This may make the product easier to handle, provide greater stability tothe product stick and allow the exposure of the product stick to be morefinely controlled

The dispenser 2 as described above is advantageous in that apart fromthe product stick 52, it may be and preferably is made entirely from apaper-based or card-based material. It will therefore be fullyrecyclable. At least the tubular elements of the dispenser arepreferably made from a paper-based or card-based material. However, thecomponents of the dispenser 2 may be made from different materials indifferent embodiments. For example, the various tubular members andhelical element may all be made from a plastics or a metallic material.In other embodiments, selected components, for example the externalcomponents (cap 6 and outer tube 14) and/or the inner tube 16 only maybe made from such materials. This may provide improved strength and/orappearance.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiment disclosed without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, a different form of stop may be provided for preventingdisengagement of the inner tube 16 from the static structure. In onealternative embodiment, a single tab 28′ may be provided on just oneside of the slot 24, with a corresponding single tab 42′ provided on thehelical element 38. Such arrangements are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 .Such arrangements may be preferable to the ones shown in FIGS. 8 and 9as it allows an edge 100 of the helical element 38 run along the opposededge 102 of the helical slot 24, assisting in guidance.

In another modification, the carrier tube 54 may be a solid cylindricalelement rather than a tube. The carrier disc 52 may then be mounted toor simply be constituted by an upper end of that element. The inner tube16 and helical element 38 will still be sandwiched radially between theouter tube 14 and this cylindrical element.

1. A dispenser (2) for a product in stick form comprising: a base part(4) and a removable cap (6); the base part (6) comprising: an outer tube(14) optionally made from a paper-based or card-based material such aspaperboard or cardboard; an inner tube (16) rotatably and slidablyreceived within the outer tube (14) and optionally made from apaper-based or card-based material such as paperboard or cardboard, theinner tube (16) projecting upwardly from the outer tube (14) and havingan axially extending helical slot (24) formed therein; a product stickcarrier (48) optionally formed of a paper-based or card-based materialand supporting a product stick (50), the product stick carrier (48)being rotationally fixed relative to the outer tube (14), the productstick (50) being arranged radially inwardly of the inner tube (16) andprojecting upwardly from the outer tube (14); and a helical element (38)optionally made from a paper-based or card-based material such aspaperboard or cardboard, the helical element (38) being rotationallyfixed with respect to the outer tube (14), the helical element (38)being received in the helical slot (26) such that rotation of the innertube (16) relative to the outer tube (14) will move the helical slot(24) along the helical element (38) thereby lowering or raising theinner tube (16) within the outer tube (14) to expose or cover theproduct stick (50).
 2. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein thehelical element (38) extends from a tubular collar (44) fixed withrespect to the outer tube (14).
 3. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2,wherein the outer diameter DT of the inner tube (14) and the outerdiameter Dc of the tubular collar (44) are the same.
 4. A dispenser asclaimed in any preceding claim, comprising a stop mechanism whichprevents the inner tube (16) being completely withdrawn from the outertube (14).
 5. A dispenser as claimed in claim 4, wherein the stopmechanism comprises interengaging stop formations (28,42; 28′,42′)formed on the helical slot (24) and the helical element (38)respectively.
 6. A dispense as claimed in claim 5, wherein the stopformations comprise a single tab (28′), formed on one side of thehelical slot (24), and a cooperating single tab (42′) formed on one sideof the helical element (38).
 7. A dispenser as claimed in any precedingclaim, wherein the product stick carrier (48) comprises a carrier disc(52) optionally of a paper-based or card-based material to which theproduct stick (50) is mounted.
 8. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7,further comprising a carrier tube (54) optionally of a paper-based orcard-based material to which the carrier disc (52) is mounted, thecarrier tube (54) being arranged radially inwardly of the inner tube(16), whereby the inner tube (16) is sandwiched radially between thecarrier tube (54) and the outer tube (14).
 9. A dispenser as claimed inclaim 8, wherein an upper end (56) of the carrier tube (54) extendsabove the carrier disc (52).
 10. A dispenser as claimed in claim 8 or 9as dependent directly or indirectly upon claim 2, wherein a lower end(58) of the carrier tube (54) is bonded to the collar (44).
 11. Adispenser as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a basedisc (60) optionally of a paper-based or card-based material mounted ina lower end (46) of the outer tube (14).
 12. A dispenser as claimed inclaim 11 as dependent directly or indirectly on claim 8 wherein a or thelower end (58) of the carrier tube (54) is located against an uppersurface (68) of the base disc (60).
 13. A dispenser as claimed in claim11 or 12 as dependent directly or indirectly upon claim 2, wherein alower edge (64) of the collar (44) locates against an or the uppersurface (68) of the base disc (54).
 14. A dispenser as claimed in anypreceding claim, wherein the helical slot (24) extends axially over lessthan half the length of the inner tube (16).
 15. A dispenser as claimedin any preceding claim, wherein the helical slot (24) extends between 30degrees and 105 degrees around the axis of the inner tube (16).
 16. Adispenser as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the helical slot(24) extends to the bottom edge (66) of the inner tube (16).
 17. Adispenser as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inner tube (16)projects from the outer tube (14) in all operative positions.
 18. Adispenser as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the removable cap(6) is received over an upper end of the inner tube (16).
 19. Adispenser as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the outer tube (14)is made from a paper-based or card-based material such as paperboard orcardboard.
 20. A dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim wherein theinner tube (16) is made from a paper-based or card-based material suchas paperboard or cardboard.
 21. A dispenser as claimed in any precedingclaim wherein the product stick carrier (48) is made from a paper-basedor card-based material such as paperboard or cardboard.
 22. A dispenseras claimed in any preceding claim wherein the helical element (38) ismade from a paper-based or card-based material such as paperboard orcardboard.
 23. A method of manufacturing the inner tube (16) and helicalelement (34) of a dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim, themethod comprising cutting the helical element (34) out from a tube, theremainder of the tube then forming the inner tube (16) of the dispenser.